The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos meet Thursday night both sitting at 3-2, but the Seahawks vs Broncos turnover problem could decide which team leaves Empower Field at Mile High with a win. Seattle, the defending Super Bowl LX champion, has given the ball away nine times through five games, tied for the fifth most in the NFL. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 15, airing on Amazon Prime Video.
It marks the first meeting between these two teams in two years, with Seattle having won four of the last five matchups. The Seahawks come in off a 33-29 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a nine-game home winning streak, while Denver is coming off a 23-17 win at the Los Angeles Chargers.
Seahawks Vs Broncos Game Information
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 15
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- TV/Streaming: Prime Video
How Bad Is Seattle’s Turnover Problem?
Seattle’s nine giveaways through five games stand out against a roster that reached last season’s Super Bowl. Quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked five times in the Week 5 loss to San Francisco, his most in 24 games with Seattle including playoffs, and he threw two interceptions in that game. Running backs Emanuel Wilson and George Holani each fumbled in the same contest, combining for just 68 yards on 24 carries with no run longer than 9 yards.
Three of those turnovers against the 49ers turned directly into 21 points, according to ESPN. Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald pushed back on the idea the issue belongs to one player, saying the turnover problem is “not just a Darnold problem,” according to ESPN. Seattle dealt with a similar issue last season, when its 28 giveaways were the second most in the league, but the team overcame it behind the top-ranked scoring defense and special teams and an explosive offense, according to ESPN.
What Is The Status Of Seattle’s Backfield?
Running back Zach Charbonnet, who has not fumbled through his first three NFL seasons, is working back from February ACL surgery. Macdonald said Charbonnet is unlikely to make his season debut against Denver, according to ESPN. Running back Jadarian Price remains sidelined by a chest injury and has been placed on injured reserve, which requires him to miss at least two more games.
Seattle’s official injury report lists quarterback Drew Lock as questionable with a right forearm issue, linebacker Drake Thomas as questionable with an ankle injury and defensive tackle Leonard Williams as questionable with an ankle injury. Guard Beau Stephens is also questionable with a shoulder injury, while wide receiver Irv Charles remains on injured reserve with a knee injury.
How Does Denver’s Secondary Look With Two Corners Out?
Denver will be shorthanded in the secondary. Cornerback Pat Surtain II is out with an ankle sprain and cornerback Riley Moss is out with a rib injury, according to the official injury report. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is listed as questionable with an ankle injury and defensive end Sai’vion Jones is questionable with a shoulder injury. Wide receiver Pat Bryant remains on injured reserve with an ankle sprain and is not expected back until at least Nov. 8.
Denver’s offense has had its own adjustment period. Offensive coordinator Davis Webb was promoted into the role this season, and quarterback Bo Nix struggled to adapt early, prompting coach Sean Payton to take over play-calling duties himself.
Key Matchup: Seattle’s Defense Against Denver’s Offensive Line
Seattle’s defense, known as “The Dark Side,” ranks in the top 10 in the league in both fewest yards and fewest points allowed per game. That unit faces a Denver offense averaging just 274.6 total yards per game and 19.4 points per game this season, with Nix completing 59.9% of his passes for 942 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions on the year.
Denver’s defense, by contrast, ranks outside the top 10 in yards and points allowed but has played sharp in recent weeks, including the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Seattle’s offense has been far more productive, averaging 344.2 total yards and 26.8 points per game, led by Darnold’s 755 yards and seven touchdowns through the air and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 37 catches for 583 yards and seven touchdowns. How Seattle’s offensive line protects against Denver’s pass rush, after Darnold’s five-sack outing last week, will be central to whether the Seahawks can keep pace.
By The Numbers
- Points per game: Seattle 26.8, Denver 19.4
- Total yards per game: Seattle 344.2, Denver 274.6
- Passing yards per game: Seattle 238.2, Denver 188.4
- Rushing yards per game: Seattle 106.0, Denver 86.2
- Third-down conversion rate: Seattle 29.83%, Denver 33.85%
- Red zone scoring rate: Seattle 84.21%, Denver 87.50%
- Total takeaways: Seattle 11, Denver 7
- Total giveaways: Seattle 9, Denver 6
- Turnover differential: Seattle +2, Denver +1
- Sacks allowed: Seattle 11, Denver 6
What To Watch
Seattle sits two games behind the unbeaten 49ers in the NFC West, while Denver trails Kansas City by the same margin in the AFC West. Both teams are chasing ground in their divisions, making every game in October carry added weight. Seattle also allowed 20 or more points in three straight games before last week’s loss, and 14 penalties for 150 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 raised questions about discipline that have carried into this week’s preparation.
Weather at kickoff is expected to be 46 degrees with a 33% chance of precipitation, a factor that could affect ball security for two teams already dealing with giveaway issues this season.
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